E J D Bodley

E J D Bodley

Location and period of operation:

E J D Bodley

Burslem

1875

1892

China and earthenware manufacturer operated out of part of the Hill Pottery (from 1882 it was called the Crown Works), Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, England.

Many of Edwin James Drew Bodley designs drew on the Aesthetic Movement which flourished in the latter half of the 19th century, emphasising "art for art's sake," focusing on beauty and form rather than political or social messages.

Bodley’s market was the growing middle class, who wanted to furnish their homes with beautiful, art-inspired pieces. Although the firm eventually declined in the late 1890s their ware remains a part of the legacy of the Aesthetic Movement and the development of decorative arts in England.

Edwin James Drew Bodley was the son of Edward Fisher Bodley and originally they manufactured together - for full details of their works, partnership and factories see entry under E F Bodley.
In 1875 the father retired and the son carried on on his own accord.
In the 1881 census the company is recorded as having 140 employees.
In 1892 the company was declared bankrupt.

Formerly: E F Bodley

The London Gazette
June 29 1875

1875 notice that the father retired and
Edwin James Drew Bodley carried on the business

Edwin J D Bodley
The Hill Pottery, Burslem
(formerly Samuel Alcock & Co.)
Burslem Staffordshire
Manufacturer of China of every Description
Special attention given to the requirements of
The American Market
for Fancy Goods, both as to Shapes and Style of Decoration
Maker of the Doyley and other Embossed Desert Ware

The Pottery Gazette, American and Canadian Edition, January 1st 1880

Bodley 'Bamboo' tea sets

E.J.D.B.

the registration diamond shows that the design "Tea Kettle - Bamboo" was registered on the 11th October 1879 to Edwin J D Bodley of the Hill Pottery China Works, Burslem, Staffordshire.

The companies designs & patterns featured elegant, often minimalist shapes and surfaces, decorated with intricate, nature-inspired motifs, such as flowers, birds, and oriental influences. These designs were typically rendered in soft, muted colors, like pale greens, blues, and pinks, in line with the Aesthetic Movement's preference for subtle, harmonious tones.

photo courtesy: J. Lukas

The body of the teapot strongly resembles a Chinese-style pagoda. The teapot’s top and lid especially give it the look of a tiered roof, which is a characteristic aspects of pagoda architecture.

The bamboo-shaped elements that feature on this teapot emphasise the Chinoiserie style.

photo source: Hampshire Cultural Trust

the basic bamboo design was produced both with a top and side handle and differing patterns

the patterns reflect the aesthetic style

E J D Bodley demitasse cup and saucer with gilded leaves

made for sale in the London Showrooms of F & C Ostler
who made and sold crystal glass - they supplemented their
showrooms with other fine items - such as this cup & saucer

E.J.D.B.

F & C Osler
100 Oxford Street
London

Osler were the retailers

the registration diamond shows that the design was registered on the 1st February 1883

footed plate with embossed details to the plate

Bodley 'Turtle' Plates

E J D Bodley specialised in 'Fancy Goods, both as to shapes and style of decoration'

these Turtle Plates are an example

moulded soup plate with the shape of a turtle and scallop rim

Edwin J D Bodley
Trade Mark
E J D B
Burslem

the registration number 80168 shows that the shape was registered on the 5th September 1887 to EJD Bodley, Burslem, The Hill Pottery & Crown Works

E J D Bodley, blue & white oriental printed pattern bowl

B & L
Burslem
England

Clarence is the pattern name

The registration number 152541 shows that the pattern was registered on the 15th July 1890.

The number 153663 shows the shape was registered on the 31st July 1890

both registered to 'Bodley, EJD Burslem, The Hill Pottery and Crown Works'

two soup bowls in the Clarence pattern - outline printed with hand applied cobalt blue accents
the bowl on the right has hand coloured flowers and gilt edging.

The mark has the the initials 'B&L' which do not equate to E J D Bodley - it is likely that Burgess and Leigh produced
this ware under arrangement with Bodley.

Burgess & Leigh operated at the same factory, overlapping EJD Bodley.

photos courtesy: Lee Foreman

Initials and marks used on ware for identification:

Edwin J D BODLEY

E J D BODLEY

E J D B

E.J.D.B.

two examples of a mark with the initials EJBD also carry a registration diamond
the registration date of the top one was 7th September 1879
and the bottom one was 7th August 1877

Edwin J D Bodley
TRADE MARK
EJDB
BURSLEM

mark with BURSLEM
c.1875-90

Edwin J D Bodley
TRADE MARK
EJDB
BURSLEM
ENGLAND

mark with BURSEM, ENGLAND
c.1891-92

Grange House, 192 Waterloo Road
Cobridge, Burslem
in 1881 the home of Edwin J.D. BODLEY and family

The Hill Pottery
- click picture for more details -

Rebuilt for Samuel Alcock in 1839 and described at the
time as 'the most striking and ornamental object of its kind
within the precincts of the borough'

from 1875 to 1892 part of the hill pottery was operated by
Edwin J D Bodley

detail of the entrance of the Hill Pottery
- click picture for additional information -

questions/comments/contributions? email: Steve Birks